Ethoxy Groups Research Articles

Новые метилфенилсилоксановые смолы на основе алкоксисиланов

Currently interested in the reaction for producing oligosilsesquioxanes based on acidolysis alkoxysilanes. In this regard, the author was given the following tasks: development of optimal synthesis conditions; preparation of new methylphenylsiloxane resins with different properties. In this paper, the properties of new methylphenylsiloxane resins (MPR) with various radicals in silicon were studied. New IFSS were obtained by a new universal technology-acidolysis of a mixture of methyltriethoxysilane (MTEOS) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTEOS) with various radicals, which are environmentally friendly raw materials. The obtained MPR were characterized by NMR spectroscopy on 1H and 29Si nuclei. Spectra were recorded at room temperature in deuteroacetone using Bruker AM-360 Fourier spectrometer. 29Si NMR spectra were measured using the pulse program "Inverse Gated Heteronuclear Decoupling". The content of residual functional groups (Si-OH, Si-OEt) in IFSS was determined by functional analysis methods. Determination of ethoxy groups and hydroxy groups was carried out by iodometric and aluminohydride method, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed on the device Derivatograph-H (firm Mom). TGA studies were carried out in the argon atmosphere and in the air at a heating rate of 10 ºC/min. Measurements of kinematic viscosity of 20 % and 50% by weight. toluene solutions of MPR were carried out at 20 °C on the viscometer HPV-2. The reaction acidolysis of methyltriethoxysilane and oligophenylenes is a convenient and versatile method for the synthesis of new heat-resistant resins methylphenylsiloxanes. In the course of the study, it was found that the resins obtained on the basis of organoalkoxysilanes are characterized by higher thermal and thermo-oxidative stability.

Synthesis and application of KM‐type reactive dyes containing 2‐ethoxy‐4‐chloro‐s‐triazine

AbstractA new kind of hetero‐bifunctional reactive dye containing 2‐ethoxy‐4‐chloro‐s‐triazine, with better activity matching with β‐hydroxyethyl sulphone sulphate at a low fixation temperature, was successfully synthesised and characterised. An ethoxy group was designed to be introduced into triazine to increase the substantivity and the reactivity of the dyes. Thereby, the fixation of mono‐s‐chlorotriazine/hydroxyethyl sulphone sulphate (KM‐type) bifunctional reactive dyes on cotton was improved, and dyeing under mild conditions with high fixation was realised. Nineteen dyes with orange, red and blue colours were synthesised and characterised by UV‐Vis and infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Synthesised dyes were dyed at 60, 75 and 90°C, respectively. Exhaustion and reactivity for all of the ethoxy‐containing KM‐type dyes was over 90% at the optimal temperature, and fixation was over 87%, which was higher than the ethoxy‐free comparative dyes. The optimal fixation temperature of ethoxy‐containing dyes was initially reduced to 75°C, and then to 60°C. Compared with comparative dyes, the wash fastness and light fastness were basically unchanged, and the wet rub fastness of the H‐acid series was reduced by one grade.

MAIN GOVERNING FACTORS INFLUENCING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SHORT-CUT ARAMID FIBER–REINFORCED ELASTOMERS

ABSTRACT This study concerns short-cut aramid fiber reinforcement of synthetic elastomer compounds and their influence on the processability and mechanical properties. Short-fiber reinforcement of elastomers is very complex, because it depends on many mutually interacting factors: fiber concentration, fiber orientation distribution, fiber length and distribution, fiber-matrix interfacial strength, and properties of the matrix. The relationship between these influencing factors is highlighted in an S-SBR compound by design of experiments. Two 3 mm long aramid fibers were used: an epoxy-amine–coated fiber and a virgin fiber without coating. To potentially achieve a fiber–matrix interaction, the following silane coupling agents were employed: bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl)-disulfane (TESPD), bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfane (TESPT), S-3-(triethoxysilylpropyl)-octanethioate (NXT), and an alkylpolyether-mercapto-silane (Si 363), all in combination with the adhesion-activated aramid fibers and in comparison with the virgin fibers. They are compared on equimolar basis with regard to the amount of reactive ethoxy groups versus TESPD, making use of a “design of experiments” approach of the experimental setup. The outcome shows that, contrary to common assumptions, the effect of the fiber–matrix interaction is grossly overshadowed by the effects of other factors (i.e., fiber concentration and orientation) on the vulcanization system. For each mechanical property response, an optimization prediction is calculated and confirmed with an experimental run, showing, for example, a 330% potential improvement in the Young's modulus.

Electrochemical Oxidation as a Tool for Generating Vitamin D Metabolites

The electrochemical behavior of the vitamers cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol was investigated in order to determine whether it is possible to evaluate phase-I and phase-II metabolism of these steroids and yield metabolites that can serve as reference material. The vitamers were electrochemically-oxidized using an electrochemical system (ROXY™ EC system). The influence of pH value, solvent, and potential was evaluated. When using methanol or ethanol, the formation of artificial methoxy or ethoxy groups, respectively, was observed, while the use of acetonitrile did not show any formation of further functional groups. A neutral pH value and use of a constant potential led to the highest number of oxidation products with intensive signals. Additionally, a binding study between vitamin D and glucuronic acid as an example for phase-II conjugation was carried out. It was possible to detect adduct formation. Coupling mass spectrometry directly to electrochemistry (EC-MS) is a promising approach for generating vitamin D metabolites and/or yielding a number of metabolites without in vivo or in vitro test systems. It can support or even replace animal studies in the long-term and might be promising for yielding reference compounds.

Study of Organosolv Lignins by Methods of FTIR and NMR Spectroscopy

The analysis of the literature on the spectral methods of lignins study was carried out. The most suitable spectral methods for elucidating the structural features of soluble organosolv lignins were selected. The possibilities of FTIR, 1Н NMR, 13С NMR and 2D HSQC NMR methods were demonstrated on the example of studying the structure of ethanollignins obtained from fir and aspen wood. It was established that fir and aspen lignins are G type and GS type lignins, respectively. The HSQC spectra analysis demonstrated a presence of β–O–4′, β–β′, β–5′ linkages in the ethanollignins. It was found that β–O–4′ linkages in ethanollignins from fir and aspen were partially acylated with ethoxy groups in the α-position

The effect of sodium and magnesium ions on the properties of calcium\u2013phosphate biomaterials

A calcium–phosphate system was obtained by sol–gel method from 0.4 M solutions based on ethyl alcohol, tetraethoxysilane, phosphoric acid, calcium nitrate, and magnesium nitrate, sodium chloride. Compositions with different contents of CaO, Na2O, and MgO were prepared. After maturation of the solutions, heat treatments were applied at 60 °C for 30 min; and followed by 600 °C and 800 °C for 1 h. Solution with 20 wt% MgO was found suitable for film production. The physicochemical processes of the formation of materials were studied, including the main stages: removal of physically bound and chemically bound water, combustion of alcohol and the products of thermo-oxidative destruction of ethoxy groups, and crystallization processes. The phase composition and structure of the films obtained were established at 600 °C and above when crystalline forms of SiO2, CaSiO3, Ca2P2O7, and complex phosphates were fixed. In the system with the addition of magnesium ions, β-cristobalite SiO2 and stenfieldt Mg3Ca3(PO4)4 were detected; however, a crystalline sample could only be obtained at 800 °C. In the system with sodium ions, chemical compounds Ca5(PO4)3Cl, NaCl, and SiO2 were determined. A uniform film coating was formed on the surface of the substrate. The introduction of sodium oxide into the SiO2–P2O5–CaO system increased the bioactivity of the materials obtained.

Low-temperature direct bonding of Si and quartz glass using the APTES modification

Abstract Low-temperature direct bonding is an attractive technique for joining mirror polished dissimilar materials with large mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion or/and lattice constant. In this paper, we proposed a method for the direct bonding of Si and quartz glass using the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification. Strong bonding strength which was equal to or stronger than the fracture strength of the quartz glass substrate has been achieved after the Si/quartz glass pre-bonded pair was annealed at 150 °C. Based on the analyses of the wettability and surface chemical states, grafting of APTES and substitution of ethoxy groups have been studied in detail. Additionally, the tight and nanoscale bonding interface observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy also ensured the excellent sealability, as well as, facilitated the device miniaturization.

Migration of oligomers from a food contact biopolymer based on polylactic acid (PLA) and polyester.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biopolymer commonly used in food packaging due to its good characteristics, similar to PET. To evaluate the safety of this material, the analysis of the non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) is required. Oligomers are NIAS and their behavior needs a deep study, especially if they migrate to the food. In this work, the analysis of the polymer and the migration to food simulants was carried out. A total dissolution/precipitation procedure was applied to PLA pellets and films, using dichloromethane and ethanol as solvent and antisolvent system respectively. The migration tests were carried out in three liquid simulants to mimic any kind of food. Since oligomers are not present in the positive list of the Directive 10/2011/EC, their concentration must be below the 0.01mg/kg of food. UPLC-QTOF-MS, with and without ion mobility (IM), was used for the analysis. Thirty-nine different PLA oligomers made of repeated monomer units of [LA] (C3H4O2) and with different structures were identified. They corresponded to cyclic oligomers with [LA]n structure and two groups of linear oligomers, one with an hydroxyl group, OH-[LA]n-H, and the other one with an ethoxy group, CH3-CH2-O-[LA]n-H. Cyclic oligomers only appeared in the material and were not present in migration solutions. Linear oligomers HO-[LA]n-H were already present in the pellets/film and they migrated in a higher extension to aqueous food simulants (EtOH 10% and AcH 3%). However, linear oligomers CH3-CH2-O-[LA]n-H were not present initially in the pellets/film, but were detected in migration to simulants with ethanol content, EtOH 95% and EtOH 10%. Furthermore, 5 cyclic polyester oligomers were identified in migration. Ethanol 95% and ethanol 10% migration solutions were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the presence of microstructures that could be attributed to the oligomers migration was found. They could be seen as microplastics.

Effect of Moisture on Dopant Segregation in Solid Hosts

Transition metal-doped semiconductor materials are extensively employed for light harvesting and photocatalytic applications owing to their increased light absorption and charge mobility. In this work, spatial tailoring of the Ni dopant in TiO2 nanostructures is performed by varying the secondary processing parameters to engineer the resulting optoelectronic properties for select applications. Specifically, the aging of the dried Ti sol and the resulting Ni segregation are observed to be moisture-driven phenomena based on the infrared and time-resolved UV–vis spectroscopy measurements. While X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with electron energy-loss spectroscopy characterizations show a clear difference in the crystal structures between pristine TiO2 powders and phase-segregated NiO–TiO2, the thermogravimetric measurements reveal substitution of the ethoxy group by ambient moisture, resulting in the ejection of hydroxylated Ni clusters. Furthermore, the doped system ...

One-step ultrasound fabrication of corrosion resistant, self-cleaning and anti-icing coatings on aluminium

This study aimed to fabricate a highly hydrophobic aluminium surface in a one-step ultrasound process in a sodium hydroxide solution containing various alkoxysilanes. The latter were based on the trimethoxysilane of various type and length of the introducing group at the silyl bond (SiC): Ra-Si(OMe)3 and Rf-(CH2)2-Si(OMe)3, where Ra and Rf are alkyl and perfluoroalkyl introducing groups, respectively, and OMe is the methoxy group. The effect of methoxy and ethoxy groups at the siloxy bond was additionally investigated for perfluorodecyl silanes.The corrosion performance was studied using potentiodynamic electrochemical techniques. The wettability, morphology, surface topography and surface composition of treated aluminium surfaces were characterised using an optical tensiometer, a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry system, a contact profilometer and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy system.Micro-/nanostructures formed on the treated aluminium surfaces lead to an increase in the water contact angle from 71° for ground surface, up to 115° for the surface treated with alkyl silanes and up to 155° for that treated with fluoroalkyl silanes with a long chain. The superhydrophobic coatings show corrosion-resistant behaviour in chloride solution, while the durability in slightly acidic/alkaline solutions indicates the excellent water-repellent nature of the coatings, the self-cleaning ability for different types of pollutants and improved anti-icing properties with freezing and melting delay.

Adsorption and aggregation properties of alkoxy-group-modified homogeneous polyoxyethylene alkyl ether nonionic surfactants

The development of new surfactants with interesting properties and new functionalities that can be controlled in a simple manner is an important industrial objective. Herein, we report the synthesis of homogeneous polyoxyethylene (EO) alkyl ether nonionic surfactants modified with alkoxy groups (C12EO8OR, where C12 and EO8 are dodecyl and octaoxyethylene chains, respectively, and R = Me and Et) from a homogeneous EO-type hexaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12EO6) and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. The adsorption and aggregation properties of these surfactants were characterized through cloud point and surface tension measurements, and by small-angle X-ray scattering, polarization microscopy, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy; these properties were compared to those of previously reported homogeneous EO-type (C12EO8) and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene type surfactants (C12EO8POy, y = 1, 2, 3). The introduction of a methoxy or ethoxy group at the terminus of the EO chain in C12EO8 resulted in an increase in hydrophobicity and a greatly reduced cloud point. Substitution of the terminal hydroxy group of the EO chain in C12EO8 with methoxy and then ethoxy led to increasingly lower surface tensions in solution and more efficient air/water interfacial adsorption. C12EO8OR formed small micelles at low concentrations in solution, and the micelles of C12EO8OMe transformed to hexagonal liquid crystals with increasing surfactant concentration, whereas C12EO8OEt remained to form micelles even at high concentration; that is, the introduction of bulkier functional groups into the C12EO8 surfactant helps to control the formation of aggregates with higher-order structures.

Synthesis and characterization of high-performance cross-linked polycarboxylate superplasticizers

Abstract Cross-linked sustained-release polycarboxylate superplasticizers (SPs) are superior alternative to the comb-type polycarboxylate SPs due to they offer both a high fluidity and a good retention effect for concrete slurry. In this context, a series of cross-linked polycarboxylate superplasticizers were synthesized using acrylic acid, methylallyl polyoxyethylene ether and four different cross-linkers containing ester groups, respectively. The key difference among these four cross-linkers is their molecular weights because they each possessed the different ethoxy content. The fluidity and fluidity retention tests, adsorption performance and scanning electron microscope tests showed that the cross-linked superplasticizers offered good dispersing effects and excellent slump performance. Excitingly, the maximum flow reached up to 394 mm at a water-cement ratio of 0.35 and this high fluidity could be simultaneously maintained for 2 h, which facilitated concrete transport over long distances, therefore improving the practical workability of concrete. Furthermore, it was found that the superplasticizers derived from cross-linkers with higher ethoxy group contents provided cement paste samples with improved fluidity. Evaluation of the hydration heat and setting time demonstrated that the cross-linked polycarboxylate superplasticizers could delay the hydration of cement and the final setting time had been extended by 4 h in comparation with blank samples. After 3, 7 and 28 d, the compressive strength of the cement mortar was improved with increases of molecular weight of the cross-linker in the cross-linked superplasticizers due to the elevation of ethoxy content.

Structure and Catalytic Activities of Gold Nanoparticles Protected by Homogeneous Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Type Nonionic Surfactants.

Gold nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solutions containing four homogeneous polyoxyethylene (EO) alkyl ether type nonionic surfactants: octaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12EO8), methoxyoctaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12EO8OMe), ethoxyoctaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12EO8OEt), and trioxypropylene-octaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12EO8PO3). The sizes of obtained gold nanoparticles were almost independent of the terminal group in the EO surfactants; and the average sizes of nanoparticles prepared by surfactants with hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, and trioxypropylene terminal groups at [surfactant]:[Au3+] = 1:1 were 5.1 ± 1.2, 8.1 ± 1.4, 6.4 ± 2.1, and 8.6 ± 2.9 nm, respectively. The gold nanoparticles easily aggregated together according to the increasing hydrophobicity of hydroxy < methoxy ethoxy < trioxypropylene terminal groups. Highly stable dispersed nanoparticles were observed with hydroxy group in the EO terminal group. On the other hand, introducing hydrophobic moiety to the hydroxy group resulted in aggregated nanoparticles because of the interaction between the hydrophobic groups of a protective agent for the gold nanoparticles. For the reduction reaction of p-nitrophenol and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging reaction, catalytic activities of the prepared gold nanoparticles decreased by the introduction of methoxy, ethoxy, or trioxypropylene to the hydroxy group of the EO type surfactant. Thus, a significant correlation was observed between the structure of gold nanoparticles and their catalytic activities.

From nanoscale modification to separation - The role of substrate and modifiers in the transport properties of ceramic membranes in membrane distillation

The set of various ceramic substrates Al2O3-100nm, TiO2-75nm, ZrO2-3nm, and ZrO2-200nm were used in the hydrophobization process with different silane-based modifiers fluorinated and fluorine-free, possessing different reactive groups (ethoxy, methoxy, and chlorine) and different length of the alkyl-chain (C6 and C16). It was investigated how these variables can influence the features of the material and then transport and separation properties. A comprehensive material study including evaluation of morphological, wetting and structural properties was performed and referred to the membrane performance in membrane distillation. Transport features, particularly various driving forces (range 105–685 mbar) and their impact on the overall membrane performance were studied. The highest grafting effectiveness was observed for superhydrophobic Al2O3-100nm-C16Cl3 (contact angle 154°, hysteresis 10°) possessing critical surface tension of 12.4 mN m−1 and polar part of surface free energy 1.1 mN m−1. Improvement in mechanical properties determined by nanoindentation of all tested ceramics after hydrophobization was observed. Al2O3-100nm-C6OEt3 has the best transport properties. Such results were ensured by an appropriate substrate selection with the highest level of hydroxyl groups ready for modification on pristine material and lower reactivity of ethoxy groups in comparison to chlorine one. All membrane possessed a very high salt rejection coefficient ca.99%.

The LANCA three-component reaction to highly substituted β-ketoenamides - versatile intermediates for the synthesis of functionalized pyridine, pyrimidine, oxazole and quinoxaline derivatives.

The LANCA three-component reaction of lithiated alkoxyallenes LA, nitriles N and carboxylic acids CA leads to β-ketoenamides KE in good to excellent yields. The scope of this reaction is very broad and almost all types of nitriles and carboxylic acids have successfully been used. The alkoxy group introduced via the allene component is also variable and hence the subsequent transformation of this substituent into a hydroxy group can be performed under different conditions. Enantiopure nitriles or carboxylic acids can also be employed leading to chiral KE with high enantiopurity and dinitriles or dicarboxylic acids also lead to the expected bis-β-ketoenamides. β-Ketoenamides incorporate a unique combination of functional groups and hence a manifold of subsequent reactions to highly substituted heterocyclic compounds is possible. An intramolecular aldol-type condensation reaction efficiently furnishes pyridin-4-ols PY that can be further modified by palladium-catalyzed reactions, e.g., to specifically substituted furopyridine derivatives. Condensations of β-ketoenamides with ammonium salts or with hydroxylamine hydrochloride afford pyrimidines PM or pyrimidine N-oxides PO with a highly flexible substitution pattern in good yields. The functional groups of these heterocycles also allow a variety of subsequent reactions to various pyrimidine derivatives. On the other hand, acid-labile alkoxy substituents such as a 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy group are required for the conversion of β-ketoenamides into 5-acetyl-substituted oxazoles OX, again compounds with high potential for subsequent functional group transformations. For acid labile β-ketoenamides bearing bulky substituents the acid treatment leads to acylamido-substituted 1,2-diketones DK that could be converted into quinoxalines QU. All classes of heterocycles accessed through the key β-ketoenamides show a unique substitution pattern – not easily accomplishable by alternative methods – and therefore many subsequent reactions are possible.

Atmospheric oxidation of tertiary amyl methyl and ethyl ethers. A quantum chemistry study

In this work, a systematic investigation on the mechanism and kinetics of the reactions of t-amyl methyl ether (TAME) and t-amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) with OH radicals in the gas phase has been performed within the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework. The potential energy surfaces were obtained at the M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level. Kinetic data for the initial step in the oxidative degradation of TAME and TAEE were obtained, as well as branching ratios between the possible reaction channels. The calculated total rate constants are 3.9 × 10−11 cm3 molecules−1 s−1 and 1.3 × 10−12 cm3 molecules−1 s−1, for TAME and TAEE, respectively. Contrary to what occurs in the case of the MTBE and ETBE oxidation initiated by OH radicals, for TAME and TAEE the H-abstraction from α methoxy or ethoxy groups is not favored. For both molecules, the contribution of the reaction channels involving H-abstraction from the t-amyl group amounts to about 70% of the total rate coefficients. Using our calculated rate constants and a chosen OH tropospheric concentration of 1 × 106 molecule cm−3, lifetimes of ∼43 and ∼128 min were obtained for TAME and TAEE, respectively.

Reactions of Heterocumulenes with Organometallic Reagents: XXV. Quantum Chemical Study of the Substituent Effects in Alkyl [(Buta-2,3-dienimidoyl)sulfanyl]acetates on Their Cyclization to Thiophene Derivatives

Base-catalyzed low-temperature transformation of alkyl [(buta-2,3-dienimidoyl)sulfanyl]acetates [1-aza-1,3,4-trienes generated from lithiated alkoxy(or 1H-pyrrol-1-yl)allenes, isothiocyanates, and alkyl 2-bromoacetates] to tetrasubstituted thiophenes has been studied by B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) quantum chemical calculations. Structural reorganization of 1-aza-1,3,4-trienes to thiophene derivatives involves deprotonation of the SCH2 group, followed by intramolecular addition of the resulting carbanion to the β-carbon atom of the allene fragment. Gradient paths leading to sulfur heterocycles have been analyzed assuming participation of most stable 1-aza-1,3,4-triene isomers with trans-gauche orientation of the N=C and C=C=C fragments that are conformationally favorable for thiophene ring closure. The nature of substituents on the allene carbon atom and nitrogen atom is the main factor responsible for the ability of 1-aza-1,3,4-trienes to rearrange to thiophene derivatives. In going from 3-methoxy- to 3-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1-aza-1,3,4-triene, the barrier to the cyclization decreases more than twice (from 5.6 to 2.5 kcal/mol). A comparable effect is observed on replacement of methyl group on the nitrogen atom by phenyl: the barrier decreases from 5.6 to 3.1 kcal/mol. Change of substituent in the allene fragment from methoxy to ethoxy group reduces the barrier by 1.0 kcal/mol (from 5.6 to 4.6 kcal/mol). Variation of the alkyl group in the ester moiety almost does not affect the cyclization barrier.

Similar or different: the same Spiro-core but different alkyl chains with apparently improved device performance of perovskite solar cells

By intelligently utilizing the odd-even effect existing in the melting points of alkanes as presented in the basic textbook of Organic Chemistry, different alkoxy groups were introduced to modify the structure of commercial Spiro-OMeTAD to give new Spiro derivatives of Spiro-OEtTAD, Spiro-OPrTAD, Spiro-OiPrTAD and Spiro-OBuTAD, with the aim to adjust the molecular packing status in perovskite solar cells as hole transporting compounds. Excitedly, with the introduction of ethoxy groups instead of the methoxy ones in Spiro-OMeTAD, Spiro-OEtTAD-based perovskite solar cells demonstrated the highest device performance of 20.16%, higher than that of Spiro-OMeTAD (18.64%).

UV-cured methacrylate based polymer composite electrolyte for metallic lithium batteries

A well-known strategy to achieve higher energy density in lithium-based batteries consists in using metallic lithium as the anode, however, the problematics associated are many and well-known. One solution to enhance battery safety consists in protecting lithium by using a solid electrolyte. Herein the preparation of a new solid polymer composite electrolyte, encompassing room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and ceramic powder is reported. The methacrylate monomer, easily reticulated by UV-curing allows to obtain a highly crosslinked 3D structure matrix, rich in ethoxy groups, fundamental for Li+ conduction. Encompassing of RTIL and ceramic particles allows an enhancement of the ionic conductivity as well as mechanical properties, therefore highly reducing lithium dendrite formation.

Production and characteristics of sewage sludge in Italy.

Results of an extended survey on the production and quality of sewage sludge produced in Italy are herewith reported and discussed. Data are relevant to 2015. They were provided by 84 Italian water utilities responsible for municipal wastewater treatment serving approximately 35 million persons. Total production was estimated at about 395,000 t dry solids/year, of which 9.9% is used in agriculture without further treatments, 26.4% is sent to external plants for compost production, 5.6% is sent to external plant for production of a soil conditioner called 'chalk of defecation', 17.2% is disposed to landfill, and 5.9% is sent to incineration or co-incineration plants. The rest (35%) is sent to external sludge centres for further treatments (manly chemical and physical processes) before recovery/disposal. Regarding chemical characterization the following parameters were investigated: TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, mercury, total chromium, chromium VI, selenium, hydrocarbons C10-C40, sum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sum of polychlorinated biphenyls, sum of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzo-p-furanes (toxic equivalent) salmonella, faecal coliforms, sulphur, sum of absorbable halogenated organic compounds, nonylphenol and nonylphenolethoxylates with one or two ethoxy groups, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. All the parameters showed that the quality of Italian sewage sludge is consistent with a typical sludge in Europe, Asia and America and the maximum concentrations of pollutants are well below the fixed standards of the European Directive 86/278 and the third draft of the European Commission's Working Document on Sludge.